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Shaker Woods Christmas 20th anniversary event continues today
By Elise McKeown Skolnick
COLUMBIANA
The ground was covered with fall leaves, rather than snow, but Shaker Woods still had a holiday feel to it.
More than 200 artisans offered their handmade items at the 20th annual Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods on Saturday. To add to the Christmas atmosphere, they dressed in old-fashioned costumes and decorated their booths in old-fashioned holiday themes.
A variety of handmade products was available for purchase, including Christmas tree ornaments, purses, paintings, natural soaps and lotions and clothes. Also included were homemade foods, such as apple fritters, roasted almonds, doughnuts and kettle corn.
Many of the vendors demonstrated their skills. Some offered the opportunity for participants to make something, as well.
Six-year-old Hank Kermani-Carlson of Youngstown made a candle. He loves candles.
“I have a whole collection,” he said.
He attended with his mom, Z Kermani, and his grandmother, Pati Carlson of Youngstown. It was the first time they attended the event.
“I came out to buy photography props, actually,” Kermani said. “I’m trying to find a sled. I’m doing some Christmas mini- sessions. They’ve got some sleds I’ve got my eye on.”
They sampled some of the food while looking around for props.
“The apple-cider doughnuts are really awesome,” Kermani said. “They’re amazing.”
Other purchases included a train whistle and a wand for Hank.
“This is really a lot of fun,” said Carlson. “I’m glad I came.”
This is the third year Mary Schulte and her mother, Lois Thomas, participated as vendors. They sell items made with recycled wool at their booth, The Shepherd’s Harvest.
“It’s a fabulous show,” Schulte said. “You just have so many fabulous people that come through. They enjoy the product. They appreciate good handmade things. We will always come back.”
Schulte and Thomas felt, or shrink, old wool clothing and use it to make potholders, flower pins, coasters, dog toys, ornaments and more.
“We use all parts of the sweaters, so we even use all of the seams and the buttons,” Schulte said. “We completely use everything.”
They find the clothes at Salvation Army, Goodwill, estate sales and garage sales. They work on some aspect of the business every day of the year.
For the Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods event they need a large inventory, Schulte said, because it draws large crowds.
The event continues from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. today. B.E. Taylor, the Ambridge Area High School Steel Drum Band and Vanessa Campagna will perform.